Bee killer sprays: What works and what’s safe to use outdoors

Bees are critical for the environment, pollinating plants and contributing to the growth of many of the foods humans rely on. But if bees build nests or colonies in gardens and other outside spaces, there can be trouble. There is a concern many people deal with: how to take care of bee infestations while still preserving such critical pollinators?

The problem is finding things that can control bees without damaging the environment. This article is to help guide in choosing a good bee killer spray for outdoor use that work to kill off pests yet safe enough to use around bees and the environment.

Understanding Bee Behavior and Risks

There are many different kinds of bees that humans may come across, and each type has unique characteristics and behaviors.

1. Honeybees: This is the most popular bee. They live in huge colonies, and they are important pollinators. Honey bees also produce honey and beeswax. While non-aggressive, they will sting if disturbed.
2. Ground Bees: Bees that build their nests in the earthen ground. They are solitary and generally not dangerous unless their nest is threatened. Ground bees are part of the pollination assembly, crucial, particularly to wildflowers.
3. Carpenter Bees: These bees are bigger and people often confuse them with bumblebees. They go into the wood and bore out little caves for their nest and cause damage to the wood. They are not harmful nor do they go after people, but can be a real pain if they get into wood.
4. Wasps: Wasps are not the same as bees, although the two are often confused. Wasps are more aggressive and can sting over and over again. They nest in trees or buildings and can be more dangerous to humans since they tend to be more aggressive.

Behavioral Patterns

Bees are most active when the weather is warm, usually at peak in the spring and summer. They usually seek nectar, and pollen during the day, specially under sunlight it is most preferable. Honeybees and other pollinators often travel far from their hives to find food. Ground bees are usually active from spring to fall, or whenever the weather is relatively mild.

The dangers of bees lie mainly in their ability to sting when provoked. A honeybee will sting to protect the Queen, their bee colony, as well, themselves and they often die once they sting. Carpenter bees are less likely to sting, however, they will become aggressive if they think their nest is being threatened. Wasps are more aggressive and have the ability to sting several times, which makes them more of a danger, especially to those with allergies.

The Problem with Traditional Bee Killer Sprays

Conventional bee killer sprays are frequently utilized to treat a bee infestation, but they always bring hidden risks. They may do the trick of killing off bees, but they contain dangerous chemicals that could not only knock out unfortunate bees, but also throw off the well-being of the surrounding ecosystem.

Chemical Ingredients

Many standard bee killer sprays may have harsh chemicals that are dangerous to bees. Here are some of the most typical toxic ingredients:

• Neonicotinoids: These are  insecticides designed to attack an insect’s nervous system. Though lethal to pests, they can damage bees by disorienting them, making it difficult for them to fly and even kill them. Neonicotinoids have been linked to colony collapse disorder, which is when entire colonies of bees die off.
• Pyrethroids: While used most often in insecticides, pyrethroids can also be toxic to bees. They act on the bee nervous system and can kill bees, or harm their health over time.
• Organophosphates and Carbamates: These are other kinds of insecticides that negatively affect bees. They do this by sabotaging the central nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death.

Environmental Impact

There are several reasons why the use of bee killer sprays is harmful to the environment:

• Impact on other insects: The toxins in bee killer sprays can hurt other beneficial insects, like butterflies, ladybugs or moths. They also play a crucial role when it comes to pollination and keeping the ecosystem healthy.
• Pollution of soil and water: The chemicals may get out of the desired area, polluting the soil and water. This can hurt other wildlife, like birds and small mammals, that need healthy plants to eat.
• Disruption of ecosystems: With bees playing a critical role in pollination, their loss also can mean fewer plants and flowers, and less food for animals that depend on these plants. This creates a cascading effect that disrupts natural balances in ecosystems.

Regulatory Landscape

To minimize the threat of toxic pesticides, many nations have legislated:

• European Union (EU): The EU has placed a ban on some neonicotinoids when used outdoors to safeguard bees. The ban is designed to minimize the impact of pesticides on pollinating insects, and promote environmentally sound farming practices.
• United States: There is no national ban on neonicotinoids, but some states and local governments have enacted limitations in places with a considerable number of bees. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also investigating these chemicals and is likely to set tighter restrictions in the coming years.

Criteria for Safe and Effective Bee Killer Sprays

Top Bee Killer Sprays for Outdoor Use

Like all bug sprays, insect and bee killer sprays are formulated so that they pose limited risk to humans but kill pests such as bees, ants, and roaches within moments of contact. Take a look at the comparisons between two popular bee killer sprays at Growcycle:

1. Organocide Bee Safe 3-in-1 Garden Spray

Organocide's Bee Safe 3-in-1 Garden Spray is an organic garden spray which is a great organic solution for insect and disease control. It contains natural components like sesame oil, lecithin, edible fish oil, and potassium sorbate. This is OMRI-listed, and its safe bee spray for garden, when it dries it is even safe for beneficial insects such as ladybugs and butterflies.

• Active Ingredients: Sesame oil, lecithin, edible fish oil, potassium sorbate
• Safety: OMRI-listed and safe for pollinators
• Target Pests: Effective against aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, and scale insects, as well as fungal diseases like powdery mildew
• Application: can be sprayed directly onto the leaves and stems, and repeatedly used as necessary.
• Pros: Safe for beneficials insects, environmentally friendly, and can be used until day of harvest.
• Cons: Can stain concrete and clothing, and some plants may be sensitive to the spray

2. Amdro Quick Kill Carpenter Bee, Ant & Termite Killer RTU

Amdro Quick Kill Carpenter Bee, Ant & Termite Killer is a ready-to-use formula specifically created to kill damaging wood pests like carpenter bees, carpenter ants and termites. This one does the job, fast and lasting but it is not labeled bee safe and ought to be used sparingly.

• Active Ingredients: Not specified (check the label for more details)
• Safety: Not labeled as bee-safe; caution is advised when using around pollinators.
• Target Pests: Carpenter bees, carpenter ants, termites, and other wood-damaging insects.
• Application: Can be sprayed directly onto pests or affected areas, with reapplications as needed.
• Pros: Fast acting and lasts for up to 3 months outdoors.
• Cons: May be detrimental to bees and other beneficial insects; do not apply when bees are on the flowers.

DIY Alternatives to Commercial Sprays

If prefer a whole more organic and earth friendly way to tackle a bee infestation, DIY homemade versions of commercial bee killer sprays will work.

1. Essential Oil Sprays

A natural and effective way to keep bees out of certain areas is to use essential oils, forcing them to look elsewhere for food or push them away. Certain oils, such as eucalyptus, lavender and citronella, are thought to be insect repellents, bees included. 

Ingredients

• 10-15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil
• 10-15 drops of citronella essential oil
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of dish soap (to help mix the oils with water)

Instructions

• Combine essential oils, water and dish soap in a spray bottle.
• Shake well before each use.
• Spray directly on the spots where have issues with bees, but try to avoid spraying the stuff on flowers or around plants for which bees would have to pollinate.

2. Garlic-Based Solutions

Garlic works as a natural bee repellent spray because of its pungent scent. This is how people can actually make that garlic spray:

Ingredients

• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of liquid soap

Instructions

• Garlic cloves should be crushed and soaked in water overnight.
• Pour the garlic water through a strainer and into a spritz bottle.
• Pour some soap into the mix and stir.
• It can be sprayed in areas where bees are making life miserable, but it’s best to avoid spraying the flowers themselves.

3. Peppermint Oil Mixes

Peppermint oil is also a natural bee repellent that bees do not like. It is a safe product for those who do not want to harm bees and other pollinators.

Ingredients

• 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of dish soap

Instructions

• In a spray bottle, mix the peppermint oil with water and dish soap.
• Shake bottle before using.
• Spray outside around the area where bees are working, ensuring not to spray on flowers or where a high amount of bee activity is occurring.

Best Practices for Bee-Friendly Pest Control

Controlling pests while shielding bees requires adhering to best practices that limit any damage to pollinators and the environment

Timing Applications

To reduce potential harm to bees and other pollinators, apply pest control treatments in the early morning or late evening. Then the bees are less active and are typically in their hives or nests. This decreases the probability of bees exposure to pesticides. Don’t apply during the day because the bees are out and about looking for food and are more susceptible to the risks of being contacted with something toxic to them.

Selective Targeting

If using sprays or other insect treatments, always try to direct them towards the specific targeted pests, rather than treating the whole area. Do not spray on flowering plants which bees visit for nectar and pollen. Targeting the pests while leaving beneficial insects like bees unharmed means users can have a healthy and pollinator-friendly garden.

Preventive Measures

Preventing infestations is as important as managing them. Seal up any spots in the home or garden where bees could be setting up nests in particular those near any wood structures that could attract carpenter bees. Remove anything likely to attract bees food garbage, sugary substances, or standing water, which can lure bees into unwanted areas. Cleanliness and maintenance of the storage area will help minimize the use of chemical treatments.

Alternative Methods

Use bee spray that works instantly, as well as physical barriers, to keep the bees away along with natural repellents. For instance, mesh nets can be taken over plants or hive to avoid entry. Use some of the natural repellents that acts as bee repellent when placed around the garden such as citronella, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils that are safe for bees. The approaches provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to common pest management and one that doesn’t harm pollinators.

The Bottom Line

Bee infestations come with the delicate balance of preserving bees. Bees play a key role in the environment and their decline can impact biodiversity and food production. With the best bee killer spray for outdoor use, natural substitutes, and best practices, it doesn’t have to be difficult to deal with bee problems in a way that does not harm these essential pollinators.

Check out Growcycle for all-natural pest control options that combat infestation outdoors and protect the bees. It is important to remember the bees and other pollinators keep a healthy world environment.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.